Nicki Minaj Uses Malcolm X, Racial Slur on Cover Art

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Nicki Minaj attends Power 105.1's Powerhouse 2013 at Barclays Center on November 2, 2013 in New York City.

Updated at 7:33 PM EST on Thursday, Feb 13, 2014

Nicki Minaj has apologized for using a famous photo of Malcolm X with a rifle in his hands and juxtaposing it with a racial slur for her new song.

Minaj posted the photo Wednesday on her website and Instagram page, and received criticism for how she used the Malcolm X image. It's for her new song "Lookin (Expletive) (Expletive)." The title uses the N-word.

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After she was roundly criticized on social media circles and beyond for what many saw as disrespect to a revered icon, she offered an apology Thursday on Instagram to the estate of Malcolm X — who was assassinated 49 years ago this month at age 39.

She also said that the song's artwork "is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy."

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"That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single. This is a conversation. Not a single," she wrote. "I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued. ... I have nothing but respect (and) adoration for u."

Still, she sounded exasperated that people were even upset over the issue.

"What seems to be the issue now? Do you have a problem with me referring to the people Malcolm X was ready to pull his gun out on as Lookin (expletive expletive)?" the 31-year-old asked in her post. "I am in the video shooting (the song) and there happened to be an iconic photo of Malcolm X ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!!"

"Lookin" is male-bashing song. The photo of Malcolm X holding the rifle was taken when he was trying to protect his family from death threats (his home had been firebombed).

A Change.org petition was issued Thursday, encouraging the rapper to change the cover artwork.

Minaj's personal representative declined to comment and a rep for her record labels, Republic and Cash Money Records, didn't return emails seeking comment. A lawyer for Malcolm X's children also didn't immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.